MEMS clock generators save board space

By Alex Pluemer, contributing writer

Microchip Technology Inc. recently released the DSC613 family of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) clock generators that can help portable electronic device designers reduce application size and extend battery life in their designs. While modern smart devices often require designers to use multiple crystals/oscillators adjacent to the controllers on a board or implement a clock generator with an external crystal for the reference input, this new clock generator can replace up to three crystals and oscillators, thereby reducing board space allocated to timing components by as much as 80%.

“The DSC613 clock family  eliminates the need for an external crystal by integrating a low-power and high-stability MEMS resonator,” said Microchip.

The DSC613 family incorporates two low-power phase-locked loops (PLLs) and a MEMS resonator in a six-pin DFN package as small as 1.6 × 1.2 mm, making it suited for devices that operate on low power like VR headsets, smart speakers, and digital cameras. It can support up to three clock outputs between 2 kHz and 100 MHz. In an IoT application example, the clock generator can provide a MHz main reference clock, a 32.768-kHz real-time clock (RTC) for the microcontroller (MCU), and an additional MHz clock for connectivity or sensor functionality.

The DSC613 family also features two low-power fractional PLLs with AnyRate clock synthesizers that enable the device to generate any frequency between 2 kHz and 100 MHz.  It consumes about 5 mA with three outputs running, delivering a 45% power savings compared to three low-power quartz oscillators. In addition, the clock output can be turned off through the output enable pin to provide further power savings. The MEMS devices operate over a temperature range of −40°C to 125°C with a stability of ± 20 ppm.

All of Microchip’s products are protected by the company’s obsolescence practice that ensures that the products will be available as long as the customers need them.

Microchip also offers the ClockWorks online configurator tool in support of the DSC613 family. The tool allows customers to request a specific clock configuration and receive a customized part number and datasheet as well as free samples. Customers can also configure parameters such as output frequency, control pin function, temperature range, package size, and PPM accuracy. As many as three output drive strengths are available based on the custom board loading condition, and spread-spectrum clocks are available for EMI reduction. Application support, such as board layout guidelines and schematics review, is also available.

The DSC613 family is in volume production. Samples are available.